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FC Bardez in talks to sign Denzil Franco

FC Bardez Goa are in the fray to be one of the new direct-entry corporate teams in the I-League next season and the Pink Panthers are already preparing for life in the top flight.

Khel Now understands that club officials are in talks with FC Goa defender Denzil Franco. It is understood that the defender has been on the radar of the club since they came to life in July. The former Atletico de Kolkata lad also did not deny the fact and said there has been a conversation between the club and him.

“We had a discussion on it, but it is not finalized yet. I am yet to sign the contract. I am just waiting for the right time to come. Hopefully, I am praying that they (FC Bardez) play in the I-League.” Franco said.

However, the club’s co-owner Savio Roy D’Souza is eager to sign him and told Khel Now, “Denzil is one of the very good players in Indian football. He has seen everything. He has been part of the I-League and the ISL and he has also won the Nehru Cup with the national side. He has seen all levels of football in India. So, it is a great opportunity for FC Bardez to have such an experienced player.”

Franco is a product of Sesa Football Academy. He started his senior career with Salgaocar FC where he played for them for one season and moved to Mumbai for Mahindra United in 2009. Later he came back to Goa to join Churchill Brothers in 2010 where he spent four years and joined former champions Kolkata. He was a part of the FC Goa team this season but did not appear in the starting XI due to injury.